How to get an electrical license in NSW

Getting an electrician license is a major milestone in the journey to running your own electrician business in Australia’s most populous state. There are three different electrical licenses and electrician certifications available in NSW. Each has its own requirements and permissions for what types of electrical trade work the holder can and can’t do, as follows.

1. A NSW contractor license

This license allows the holder to advertise their services and contract to do electrical work. You can only do the work types that are listed on your license card.

Contractor licenses can be issued to individuals, but they can also be granted to partnerships and companies. NSW contractor licenses are available for one-year, three-year, or five-year terms.

2. A NSW qualified supervisor certificate

A qualified supervisor certificate permits the holder to supervise electrical work and do the work described on the certificate. This type of NSW electrical license is only available to individuals.

Importantly, holding a qualified supervisor certificate does not permit the holder to contract for work. This electrical license is available for one-year, three-year, or five-year terms.

3. A NSW endorsed contractor license

This type of NSW electrical license is only available to individuals. If you apply for and obtain a contractor license and you also have the experience, skills, and qualifications required to be a qualified supervisor, then this license could be a good fit for you.

Are you eligible?

Before applying for a NSW electrical license, it’s important to check that you meet the eligibility requirements listed below.

• You are at least 18 years old
• You’re physically fit for the purposes of the license
• You hold the mandatory qualifications and on-the-job experience
• You are not a debtor to NSW Fair Trading or the Administration Corporation.
• You have not performed work that has been subject to an unreasonable amount of insurance claims.
• You can provide details of the required insurance under the Home Building Compensation Fund.

Applying for your NSW electrical license

Now that you’ve got your required documents together, it’s time to go and lodge your application. This can be done at Service NSW.  Make sure you have the following documents with you when you apply:

• A passport sized photo of yourself.
• Proof of identity.
• Your employment history as well as details about your industry experience.
• An original copy of your electrical or trade qualifications, such as your certificate.
• Details about past compliance issues, insolvency matters, or criminal offences (if applicable)
• Details of current or past electrician licenses or certificates that you hold.